Linksys Ships Wireless, Standalone Webcam
by , 5:30 PM EDT, September 30th, 2004
Linksys announced today the Wireless-G Internet Video Camera (WVC54G), a wireless webcam that can be controlled from a Web browser. The device allows one to set up a camera without having to have a computer attached to it, and have it broadcast its image wirelessly through a wireless network. From Linksys:
This compact, self-contained unit sends a high-quality live video stream with sound through the Internet. Unlike standard "web cams" requiring an attached PC, the Internet Video Camera contains its own IP address, so users can easily connect to an existing Ethernet or Wireless network.
The Linksys WVC54GOnce connected to the home or office network, either mounted on a wall or positioned on a desk-top in its own stand, the Wireless-G Internet Video Camera allows users to see the clear camera view of an office or any room in the home.
Advanced features of the Wireless-G Internet Video Camera include a Security mode. When the camera detects motion, it begins to record the video and audio feed and alongside sends an e-mail alert to the office, a pager or a cell phone. Up to three e-mail alerts can be sent simultaneously, including a short video clip in an e-mail attachment.
Key Product Features:
- Sends a high-quality live video stream (up to 640x480) to your network
- Built-in stand-alone web server, no PC necessary
- Easy installation - connects easily to an existing Ethernet or Wireless-G network
- Security mode automatically sends e-mail alerts with video clips upon motion detection
- Supports up to four simultaneous remote users
- Built-in Microphone (Also accepts external Mic)
- LCD Display of Camera's IP Address
- Includes a Viewer & Recorder utility
- SoloLink Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) Service
The camera is priced at US$199, though Amazon is offering it for US$179.99. You can find more information on the product at Linksys's Web site.
Observer Comments
Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:04 pm Subject: WILL NOT WORK WITH MACS
Like all Linksys camera products, this requires ACTIVEX on your web browser. Other than if you use Virtual PC, this is useless. I have returned an older, 802.11b only camera for this reason and purchased a Hawking NC-220W which works fine with Macs, as it uses Java.
AVOID THIS CAMERA, MAC USERS!
Quotematt.hocker wrote:
Like all Linksys camera products, this requires ACTIVEX on your web browser. Other than if you use Virtual PC, this is useless. I have returned an older, 802.11b only camera for this reason and purchased a Hawking NC-220W which works fine with Macs, as it uses Java.
AVOID THIS CAMERA, MAC USERS!
Doesn't exactly fit in with the Mac design aesthetic either does it? Its well fugly.
Sanj
But its a real shame there is no possibility for simple image capture as an alternative to live streams. The streams are also in a very peculiar format, useless on any browsers like safari, mozilla, etc.
Is there a java applet for this webcam?
Is there some way of getting any kind of automated image capture with this camera?
Not only is the Linksys 54g wireless camera difficult to set up, it saves the settings in the camera, yet gives an error message stating failure to save settings has occured, please try again...after 3 hours of this, I realized that the camera HAD been saving the settings all along, but the installer software was flawed.
Attempts at using the camera for MSN and YAHOO faild as this "webcam" only works with its own viewer. After serching to no avail for how to access the "webcam" over the internet for my girlfriend in Cypress, it turns out that you must purchase the SOLOLINK service to have that work.
Several attempts to use the LIVEHELP system on the LINKSYS website failed, as the agents refused to assist (why, I have no idea). Avoid this camera at all costs, this is an experimental model that has less features than a $20 logitec webcam. Buy this, and you WILL regret it.
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